Burkina Faso Junta Suspends Voice of America News Platform for Three Months

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Burkina Faso’s military government has taken a decisive step by suspending the broadcasting of Voice of America (VOA) for a period of three months. The ban, announced on Monday, extends beyond just VOA, as it also temporarily prohibits local media outlets from using international news reports. This move comes in response to criticisms surrounding the handling of the ongoing militant insurgency that has gripped the Sahel region.

The military junta, which assumed power after a coup in September 2022—the second that year—has displayed increasing intolerance toward negative press coverage. Promises made by military leaders to address the insurgency have not met the expectations of the public, leading to growing dissatisfaction with their ability to maintain security in the country.

The Superior Council for Communication (CSC), Burkina Faso’s media regulator, accused VOA of damaging troop morale. This accusation stems from a segment aired on September 19, during which a reporter referred to a recent attack in Bamako as “courageous.” The CSC also took issue with VOA’s criticism of security operations and highlighted the use of unverified casualty figures from an August attack in Burkina Faso that left many dead. According to the CSC’s statement, “All synchronization of national media with international media is suspended until further notice.”

At the time of the report, VOA had not yet issued an official response to the suspension.

Challenges in the Sahel Region

Burkina Faso, like other nations in the Sahel region, has faced escalating violence from insurgent groups linked to al-Qaeda and ISIS. These extremist groups have been expanding their presence since 2012, causing widespread devastation across the region. The violence has claimed thousands of lives and forced millions to flee their homes, fueling public anger toward governments unable to ensure safety. This instability has been a key factor behind the military coups that have occurred in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger in recent years.Burkina Faso Junta Suspends Voice of America News Platform for Three Months

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Earlier this year, Burkina Faso’s military leadership had also suspended other international broadcasters, including BBC Africa, after a Human Rights Watch report accused the country’s military of extrajudicial killings. These allegations were strongly denied by the government.

In a separate action in September, the CSC revoked the radio frequencies of France’s RFI, known for its extensive coverage of the Sahel region, without offering any specific explanation for the move.

Press Freedom Under Threat

The current situation in Burkina Faso highlights a growing trend of press suppression in the region. With the military regime tightening its grip on media outlets and limiting the flow of international news, concerns are rising about the future of free press in the country and across the Sahel. The government’s actions point to an increasing intolerance for dissenting voices as it struggles to maintain control amid a worsening security crisis.

As tensions continue to rise, the suspension of VOA and other media outlets signals a deeper shift toward authoritarianism, with significant implications for both domestic and international journalism in Burkina Faso.

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